York Regional Police have laid charges in a 2022 missing person case that has now been ruled a homicide. Roman Perelstein, 45, of Richmond Hill, was reported missing by his family on August 30, 2022, after he was last seen several weeks earlier in the area of Bathurst Street and Orchard Heights Boulevard in Aurora.
Human Remains Discovered in 2022
Before Perelstein was reported missing, on August 21, 2022, human remains were found along a trail near Sideline 20 and Concession Road 8 in Pickering. Due to the condition of the remains, identification was not possible at that time.
Identification Through Dental Records
In March 2025, dental records positively identified the remains as those of Roman Perelstein, and the death was deemed a homicide. Perelstein was described as a white male, 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, with brown eyes and hair, a medium build, light complexion, four missing upper teeth with a dental prosthesis, a tattoo on his right shoulder reading "02.25.35 – 07.01.18," and a surgical scar on his knee.
Charges Laid in May 2026
Following a lengthy investigation, Suren Khizguiiaev, 49, of Harwich, was charged on May 21, 2026, with accessory after the fact to murder and indignity to a dead body. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the York Regional Police Cold Case Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6000, or email coldcase@yrp.ca. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at 1800222tips.com.
